Some places stay a little extra in our memories after our travels. Especially lakes where the water is not only clear and clean, but also beautifully turquoise. So turquoise that the water almost shines like a blue highlighter and makes you fumble for your sunglasses. Often you find these jewels in the middle of the glacier valleys of the mountains, but sometimes they appear in completely unexpected places.
From the Alps to New Zealand's South Island, from the Canadian Rockies to Australia's tropical sand islands, here are five of the world's most beautiful lakes from three continents, each with unforgettable water that seems to have taken on its own luminous hue.
What are the most beautiful lakes you've visited? Let us know in the comments!
1. Lake Pukaki – New Zealand
Few places in the world have water of such an intense shade of blue as Lake Pukaki in New Zealand. The lake is located at the foot of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest mountain, and reflects the snow-capped peaks in its crystal-clear waters. In summer, lupines fill the lakeshore with color and, together with the reflections of the glaciers, create a view that almost looks unreal - and which also adorns both postcards and souvenirs all over the country.
If you want to experience equally turquoise waters and equally magnificent views, Lake Tekapo a perfect alternative. Here is a charming little stone chapel right on the edge of the lake, making the place almost tailor-made for the perfect holiday photo.
2. Blausee – Switzerland
The name almost says it all – blausee, the blue lake, is hidden in the forest of the Bernese Oberland and is one of Switzerland's most enchanting lakes. The water is so clear that you can see every mountain on the salmon trout swimming by, and the reflection of the forest around the lake gives the place an almost fairy-tale feel. Take a walk along the paths, rent a small boat or stay at the charming lakeside hotel and let the view fill you with peace. The intense color of the water comes from underground springs, and although the lake is small, it is well worth a visit on a sunny day.
3. Moraine Lake – Canada
One of Canada's most iconic lakes is Moraine lake in Banff National Park, Alberta. The lake's brilliant turquoise color is created by minerals from the surrounding glaciers. When the wind is calm, the dramatic mountain peaks are perfectly reflected in the water, creating memorable views. During the summer and school holidays, the area is filled with visitors from all over the world, which can diminish its charm – but we visited the national park in early June, and then it was completely peaceful.
Nearby you will find Peyto Lake and Maligne Lake, turquoise lakes you absolutely shouldn't miss.
4. Lake McKenzie – Australia
On the world's largest sand island, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) in Queensland, Australia, you will find the next gem on the list – Lake McKenzie. It differs from many other lakes because it is not located in a mountainous landscape and is made up entirely of rainwater. The lake has no inlets or outlets, and the water is so clean that no life can survive in it – which at the same time means that you can safely take a refreshing dip without worrying about crocodiles or other dangers, something that is certainly not a given in Australia.
The shore of the lake is chalk white and made up of fine-grained silica, which makes the turquoise water almost explode in color when the sun shines. The sky was overcast when we visited, but we still couldn't help but be impressed by the beauty of the lake.
Read about K'gari and Lake McKenzie in my article Fraser Island - the world's largest sand island - Queensland - Australia.
5. Lake Bohinj – Slovenia
Lake Bohinj is located in Slovenia's only Triglav National Park, surrounded by gentle mountains and untouched nature. Here also rises Triglav, the country's highest peak, whose meltwater fills the lake with clear, cold, turquoise water. The crystal-clear depth of the water is so impressive that it's difficult to determine exactly how deep the lake really is, even when you can see the bottom. Rent a canoe, hike along the scenic trails, or paddle SUP – Lake Bohinj is as much a place for activity as it is for peace and quiet.
Read more about Lake Bohinj in my post: Lake Bohinj – Where the mountains are reflected in still waters – Slovenia
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Cool places! Saw a lot of beautiful lakes when I was hiking in the Dolomites a few years ago, but can't remember the names off the top of my head.
The Dolomites have some fantastic lakes and the mountains there are probably some of the most beautiful in the world! Please let me know if you can think of the names of the lakes! :)
A turquoise lake surrounded by mountains is probably the most beautiful thing I know. The most beautiful lakes I have seen so far were the so-called Seven Lakes in Tajikistan, but in the future I want to visit Banff National Park and then Moraine Lake will probably be number one. It looks fantastic.
Seven Lakes looks awesome, I'll have to put them on my list! Moraine Lake is worth a long detour – on a sunny day the views are unbelievably beautiful!